GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a global biopharmaceutical company that dedicates resources to researching and producing vaccines. The company has developed immunizations to protect against various diseases across different life stages. This guide details the vaccines GSK produces, covering their applications for children, adults, and individuals with specific health considerations.
Childhood and Adolescent Vaccines
Immunization during childhood and adolescence provides a foundation for lifelong health. GSK has developed several vaccines integral to pediatric immunization schedules. Pediarix is a combination vaccine for children 6 weeks through 6 years of age that immunizes against five diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, and poliomyelitis. By combining these, Pediarix reduces the number of shots a child needs.
For immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, GSK offers Infanrix as a five-dose series for infants and children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. For children 4 through 6 years of age, Kinrix acts as the fifth dose in the DTaP series and the fourth dose for polio. It is for children who have previously received Pediarix or Infanrix.
Boostrix is a booster vaccine for individuals aged 10 and older, providing continued immunization against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It is also recommended for adults who have not had a recent Tdap shot, especially those who are around infants, to create a protective barrier against pertussis.
GSK also offers two vaccines to protect against meningococcal disease. Menveo protects against serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135 and is given to preteens and teens, with a second dose administered a few years later. To protect against meningococcal serogroup B, Bexsero is administered in a two-dose series to adolescents and young adults between the ages of 10 and 25. Together, these vaccines help protect against the leading causes of bacterial meningitis.
Adult and Older Adult Vaccines
Vaccination needs continue into adulthood and become important for older adults as the immune system changes with age. GSK’s vaccine for shingles, Shingrix, is recommended for adults 50 years and older. Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingrix is given as a two-dose series and is effective in preventing shingles and its complications, such as long-term nerve pain.
For seasonal influenza, GSK produces vaccines to protect adults during flu season. The company offers Fluarix Quadrivalent and FluLaval Quadrivalent, which protect against four different flu viruses: two influenza A and two influenza B viruses. These vaccines are updated annually to match circulating strains, making yearly vaccination a reliable measure for reducing illness risk.
Travel and Specific Risk Vaccines
Certain vaccines are recommended for individuals who face specific risks due to travel or occupation. For travelers heading to regions where hepatitis A is common, Havrix is available. Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease contracted through contaminated food or water, and the vaccine is administered to provide protection before potential exposure.
Similarly, Engerix-B is GSK’s vaccine for hepatitis B, a viral infection that affects the liver and is transmitted through blood or other body fluids. For individuals who require protection against both hepatitis A and B, Twinrix is a combination vaccine that simplifies the immunization process into a single series.
In situations with a risk of rabies exposure, GSK offers RabAvert. Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system that is fatal once symptoms appear. The vaccine is used for both pre-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk individuals, like veterinarians, and for post-exposure prophylaxis after a suspected bite or scratch. Timely administration after exposure can prevent the onset of the disease.
Understanding GSK Vaccine Formulations
The design of a vaccine plays a large part in how it functions within the body’s immune system. GSK utilizes specific formulation strategies to enhance vaccine effectiveness. One strategy is creating combination vaccines, like Pediarix and Twinrix, which merge multiple antigens into a single injection. This approach reduces the number of shots required and can lead to better compliance with immunization schedules.
Another component of some GSK vaccines is an adjuvant, a substance added to create a stronger immune response. The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, contains a proprietary adjuvant system known as AS01. This system is designed to stimulate a response from the immune system, which is beneficial for older adults whose immune systems may not respond as strongly to vaccination.
The adjuvant in Shingrix works by recruiting immune cells to the injection site and promoting their activation. This leads to the production of a greater number of antibodies and T-cells, which are the components of the immune system that recognize and fight off the virus. This technology helps the vaccine be effective in the age group most vulnerable to shingles.